Newsletter February 2015 - Association Femmes d`Europe

Bulletin d’information n° 2
FEVRIER 2015 FEBRUARY
Présidente d’Honneur
Madame Irene TIMMERMANS
Newsletter no. 2
Un mot de notre Présidente - A word from our President
Chères amies,
Dear Friends,
Savez-vous pourquoi le visage barbu de l’artiste Mark Rothko se
trouve sur un timbre-poste de Lettonie ? Connaissez-vous la
nationalité du chef d’orchestre Mariss Jansons, à la tête du
Concertgebouw d’Amsterdam ?? Tous deux sont originaires de
Lettonie, cet Etat balte entré dans l’Union européenne en 2004
qui préside, ce semestre, pour la
premère fois le Conseil des Ministres
de l’UE.
Do you know why the bearded face of artist Mark Rothko
features on a Latvian postage stamp? Are you aware of the
nationality of Mariss Jansons, Conductor of the
Concertgebouw in Amsterdam? They are both natives of
Latvia, the Baltic state which joined the EU in 2004 and which
assumed the Presidency of the Council of
Ministers for the first time in January 2015.
L’an dernier, vous vous en souvenez
certainement, Riga était la capitale
culturelle européenne. Avec son
patrimoine urbain, qui reflète huit
siècles d’architecture européenne, la
capitale lettone est aussi un site protégé
par l’UNESCO. Et son quartier « Art
Nouveau » d’influence finlandaise est
exceptionnel. Nous honorerons cette
présidence bien que nous n’ayons pas
encore de groupe letton.
Cette année, il y a le vingtième
anniversaire de l’accession de trois
autres pays à l’Union européenne :
l’Autriche, la Suède et la Finlande bien
représentés dans notre Association,
comme
vous
le
remarquez
certainement avec leurs stands très
attrayants au Bazar de Noël.
Ce mois-ci, il y aura 15 ans que
l’UNESCO a créé la journée internationale de la langue
maternelle, célébrée chaque année le 21 février pour l’identifier
comme la « langue de nos pensées et de nos émotions ». Il y
aurait 7.000 langues parlées actuellement dans le monde, dont
quelques centaines seulement sont enseignées. Le « monde
numérique » utilise un nombre plus restreint de langues. La
valeur de la diversité linguistique et de l’éducation multilingue
seront donc mis en avant dans les médias ce jour-là.
Vous aurez aussi l’occasion d’apprécier la diversité linguistique
en allant à l’Institut Culturel italien, 38 rue de Livourne, les 27,
28 février en soirée et 1er mars dans l’après-midi. La compagnie
théâtrale de langue italienne « Teste Matte », avec Paolo Gaio
que je remercie, y donnera à nouveau des soirées très
divertissantes au profit de nos projets humanitaires. Selon la
tradition, notre Groupe Italien se chargera de l’accueil et du verre
de l’amitié.
Espérant que nous serons nombreuses à apprécier les charmes de
la langue de Dante et le talent des membres de « Teste Matte »
je vous souhaite un heureux mois de février et beaucoup de
plaisir à lire notre Newsletter avec les photos en couleurs du
Bazar 2014 offertes par le Club de photos Sainte Alix que nous
remercions chaleureusement.
www.assocfemmesdeurope.eu
You probably remember that last year Riga was a
European Capital of Culture. With its urban
heritage representing eight centuries of European
architecture, the historic centre of the Latvian
capital is a World Heritage Site under the
protection of UNESCO. The Finnish-influenced
“Art Nouveau” district in Riga is exceptional.
We salute this Presidency though we do not yet
have a Latvian Group in the Association.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the
accession of three other countries to the European
Union: Austria, Sweden and Finland, all well
represented in our Association and whose
attractive stands you will surely have noticed at
the Bazaar.
This month it has been 15 years since UNESCO
established International Mother Language Day,
celebrated each year on 21st February to recognise
the mother tongue as ‘the language of our
thoughts and our emotions’. About 7,000
different languages are spoken worldwide, of which only a few
hundred are taught in schools. The digital world uses an even
smaller number of languages. The value of linguistic diversity
and of multilingual education will be highlighted in the media
on that day.
You can also appreciate linguistic diversity by going to the
Italian Cultural Institute, 38, rue de Livourne, on the evenings
of 27th and 28th February and 1st March in the afternoon. The
Italian language theatre company “Teste Matte” with Paolo
Gaio, to whom I am very grateful, will once again present a
very amusing evening’s entertainment in support of our
humanitarian projects. Our Italian Group will look after the
reception and drinks as on previous occasions. I hope you will
turn out in great numbers to savour the charm of Dante’s
language, not to mention the talent of the members of “Teste
Matte”.
I wish you all a happy month of February and hope you will
enjoy reading our Bazaar colour photo supplement very kindly
offered by the Photo Club of Saint Alix, whom we very warmly
thank.
1
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TABLE DE MATIERES
Bureau Exécutif
Présidente
Marie-Anne Dage
ma.dage@skynet.be

02 733 82 04
Secrétaire Générale
Marian D. Conneely

secretariat@assocfemmesdeurope.org
02 733 18 49
VP Projets
Walthera Hudig

projet@assocfemmesdeurope.org
02 767 43 03
VP Manifestations
Nadja Allgeier
Allgeier.nadja@gmail.com

0478 38 84 43
VP Presse & Communication
Renate Smith
renate.smith@telenet.be

02 688 26 27
Un mot de notre Présidente
1
Sommaire
2
Agenda
3
Projet du mois
4
Entretien : Karen Englander Suhr
6
Assemblée Générale
7
Candidates au Bureau Exécutif
8
Bientôt
10
Echos du Conseil – décembre 2014
14
15
Trésorière
Bernadette Grünhage

tresorerie@assocfemmesdeurope.org
02 660 26 87
Nouvelles Internes
Vice-Trésorière
Lilian Damstén

tresorerie@assocfemmesdeurope.org
0475 72 01 37
Les textes doivent être envoyés au plus tard le 12 du mois qui précède la
publication, exclusivement par e-mail avec images et photos en annexe,
à:
newsletter@assocfemmesdeurope.org
Ont participé à ce numéro
Equipe de rédaction
Mise en page
Contributions
Texts, images and photos must be sent by email attachment, before the
12th of the month prior to publication, to:
Karen Englander Suhr
Renate Smith
Karen Englander Suhr
newsletter@assocfemmesdeurope.org
Maura Allan
Gay Charles
Marian D. Conneely
Margaret Duzynska
Anna Mugnaini
Maura Neligan
Monique Seber
Ghilaisne Troubetzkoy
Renate Smith
Bernadette Ulens
Lesley Velten-Jameson
Tarifs des insertions publicitaires :
Publicité
Renate Smith
Anne-Marie van Dam
Relecture
Rosemary Collins
Lilian Damstén
Béatrice Heilbrunn
Martine Millet
Nina Timar
Aline Verhaegen
Le Bulletin est envoyé gratuitement chaque mois, à l'exception des mois
de juillet, août et décembre, aux membres de l'Association Femmes
d'Europe a.i.s.b.l. La rédaction se réserve le droit de résumer ou de
modifier les textes soumis et ne peut garantir leur publication à une date
donnée. Textes et illustrations de toutes les publicités sont sous la
responsabilité des annonceurs. Les vues et opinions exprimées dans les
articles sont celles des auteurs.
Mailing
Renate Smith
Couverture photo
Ewa Rossano « Planète Cristal »
Couverture design
Zoë Englander
Impression
O.I.B. (Commission européenne)
2
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Info publicité :
Renate Smith
renate.smith@telenet.be
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The Newsletter is sent free of charge each month, except July, August
and December, to the members of the Association Femmes d’Europe
a.i.s.b.l. The Editorial Committee reserves the right to cut or edit material
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illustrations of all advertisements are the responsibility of the
advertisers. The views and opinions expressed in articles are those of the
authors.
Association Femmes d’Europe a.i.s.b.l.
FOR YOUR DIARY • POUR VOTRE AGENDA
AGENDA
« Joyeuses Pâques » - Le Teste Matte
Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Bruxelles
Groupe Italien
Plus d’infos : voir page 10
Contact : Paola Micocci
Gabriella Fratoni
FEVRIER
 02 771 14 39 (le matin)
 02 646 85 72 (l'après-midi)
VENDREDI 27, SAMEDI 28 à 20h
DIMANCHE 1 MARS à 16h
ppmicocci@gmail.com
agfratoni@gmail.com
MARS
Soirée de Prestige – Spectacle équestre et dîner aux chandelles
VENDREDI 13 à 19h30
Assemblée générale
VENDREDI 20 à 14h
Groupe Belge
Centre Equestre la Chevalerie – Rhode St. Genèse
Plus d’infos : voir page 11
Contact : Ghislaine Troubetzkoy
mighy@skynet.be
Gay Charles
gay.charles@titsnest.be
Bâtiment de Charlemagne
Plus d’infos : voir page 7
Contact : Marian D. Conneely
secretariat@assocfemmesdeurope.org
Bazar de Pâques
Groupes Autrichien, Allemand, Polonais et Portugais
TUSIAD – 1040 Bruxelles
Plus d’infos : voir page 11
Contact : Inge Torchiani
dia.torchiani@skynet.be
Edith Coellho
edithcoelho@hotmail.be
Maggie Lukomska
lukomska.malgorzata@gmail.com
Gala musical
AVRIL
Groupe Multinational
Eglise St Jean Berchmans – bld St Michel 24 – Etterbeek
Plus d’infos : voir page 13
Contact : Bernadette Ulens
b.ulens@skynet.be
Tournoi de bridge et déjeuner
maeve.doran@skynet.be
maura.carroll@brutele.be
MAI
Groupe Royaume-Uni
Plus d’infos : voir Newsletter de mars 2015
Contact: Rosemary Collins
rcollins.be@gmail.com
www.assocfemmesdeurope.eu - 02/2015
MERCREDI 1 à 19h30
JEUDI 23 à 9h30
Groupe Irlandais
St Anthony’s Parish Centre – 1950 Kraainem
Plus d’infos: voir page 13
Contact : Maeve Doran Schiratti
 0474 516 702
Maura Allen
 0477 285 762
Bring and Buy Spring Lunch
JEUDI 26 de 11h à 16h
VENDREDI 8
3
PROJET DU MOIS  PROJECT OF THE MONTH
A VISIT TO THE BAHOWO VILLAGE PROJECT
North Sulawesi, Indonesia – September 2014
Very few of our members have the chance to see for themselves how their fundraising efforts in Brussels
work out in reality on site abroad. I was lucky to have had the pleasure, just a few weeks ago, to meet Phil
Boats and Paula Larcher at their Bahowo Village Project in the Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
My son and I were planning a trip to the Minahasa where our maternal family roots are found in the same
area as the Bahowo Village Project. I contacted Mr. Reinier van Manen, who presented the project at the
January 2014 Projects Ceremony, and subsequently got in touch with Paula and Phil.
At the Manado airport Sam Ratulangi, named after a
national hero who was born here, our driver, Raymon,
welcomed us. A 45-minute drive over bumpy roads
took us past tropical vegetation with coconut and
banana trees, several buffalo-drawn carriages and a
few scattered houses along the road.
We got to Bahowo, a small fishermen’s village, where
Paula and Phil greeted us warmly in their Lodge with a
welcome drink on the veranda. The interior of the
Lodge and our guest room, with its tiled floors,
teakwood and rattan furniture and local artifacts as wall
decoration, reminded me of my childhood years in
Indonesia. A swampy area shone through the lush
vegetation and huge trees at the end of the garden.
This is home for Paula and Phil; they live surrounded
by local people whom they employ in the Lodge, as cook, housekeepers, gardener and driver. At tea time
three shy children appeared on the driveway, carrying the daily catch of fish, which will be roasted for dinner.
In the afternoon our hosts took us for a walk to the boat jetty where children were playing and swimming in
the high tide of the swamp. They were curious and greeted us cheerfully. “Hello, hello!” Paula and Phil
seemed to know them all by name.
Then we walked to the Health Clinic, a 2010
donation of Femmes d’Europe. It consists
of a consulting room, a waiting area and
space for the live-in nurse. She is also a
qualified midwife and is responsible for basic
health care, available 24 hours a day. She
takes care of deliveries, baby and child
consultations, contraception and small
injuries. She also decides when more
complex medical treatment in a hospital is
needed. A doctor comes on a regular basis
who also uses these facilities for
consultations.
The next day was Sunday. We saw people going to church in their best dresses. The Minahasans are
predominantly Christian and there are many churches of different denominations, both Catholic and
Protestant. Bahowo has two churches for 250 families. One of the churches needs a new building which is
being constructed around the old one. Until the new church is finished the old one is in normal use. It may
take years to complete, depending on the financial opportunities. Once finished, the old building will be
broken down from the inside.
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Association Femmes d’Europe a.i.s.b.l.
PROJET DU MOIS  PROJECT OF THE MONTH
In the afternoon a football (soccer)
tournament was scheduled on the village
playground, a dusty area with uneven
bumps and holes. Two poles functioned
as goal. Some players wore shoes,
others played barefoot, one team with
their shirts on both shoulders, the
opposing team played with a shirt on one
shoulder only. There were girls’ teams as
well and they all played with huge
enthusiasm. Village supporters yelled
cheerfully for every goal while buffaloes,
black pigs, dogs and chickens roamed in
the background.
On Monday morning school started again. Primary school children, in their immaculate white and red school
uniforms, were walking to school which is next door to the Lodge. We visited the school and were
enthusiastically greeted by the pupils and their teachers, who, as government employees, also wore a school
uniform. The classes were small and the teaching materials basic; blackboard and chalk, ballpoints, pencils
and books. One of the teachers comes from this village and is a good role model for her pupils.
The nearest school for secondary education is in Manado City, 45 minutes each way along the bumpy road.
Without any public transport this is not possible for village pupils. But Paula and Phil, being writers and who
take education seriously, successfully applied for another Femmes d’Europe donation, which was granted
in January 2014: a mini-van as school bus. This van takes children back and forth to school in Manado in
two different shifts, one early in the morning and one later in the day. The van also serves to take villagers
to Manado for hospital treatment when needed. After school Paula helps pupils with their English homework,
and being British, particularly with the spoken language. They also help bright pupils with tuition fees and
successfully applied to a British fundraising group for the construction of a school library complete with books.
These children love reading and although they did not beg for money, I was asked while walking in the street
“ada buku?” which means: “do you have books?”
At dinner time my son and I had
wonderful conversations with Paula
and Phil about their life and work in
Bahowo, and about the books they
have written, while Sultje, the cook,
served real Minahasan food; spicy
with very thick coconut sauce and
naturally, the roasted daily catch of
fish.
We were able to make a couple of
interesting tourist trips, in particular to
Tondano, located on the scenic lake
Tondano, where my grandmother was
born. We took a snorkeling trip to a
coral reef with a BBQ on the beach of a small island in the Bunaken Marine Park, a National Park, in which
Bahowo is now located. We also took a trip to the Tangkoko Nature Reserve to see the black macaque
monkeys in the wild as well as the shy tarsier which can fit into two cupped hands - the smallest primate in
the world. Both are unique to Northern Sulawesi. In this particular area Alfred R. Wallace researched and
wrote about natural selection - his contribution to the evolution theory.
Back to Femmes d’Europe: as members we can be proud of having helped Paula and Phil in their efforts to
make life a little better through health and educational support for the people living in such a remote area of
Indonesia.
With renewed energy, therefore, I started fixing necklaces for the Dutch stall at the Bazaar and getting
organised for the Salad Bar as my contribution to the fundraising efforts of our Association.
Trix Hilbers
Dutch Group
www.assocfemmesdeurope.eu - 02/2015
5
ENTRETIEN  Karen Englander Suhr  INTERVIEW
Meet Karen Englander Suhr
You are a member of the
EFTA/AELE Group but what
nationality are you? Can you tell
us where you were born, what
sort of childhood you had and
where did you study?
I am in fact of Danish, British and
Brazilian nationality, due to the
crazy facts that my father was
Danish (but born in England), my mother is British and I was
born in Brazil. I lived a pretty wild life all over Brazil as my
father had the travelling bug and apart from two years in
Denmark, the biggest slice of my life was in Rio de Janeiro.
Consequently, anywhere else did seem boring. Most of my
education was at the American School in Rio and then a last
year at ISB in Brussels. This change affected my further
studying so I did not continue with psychology at ULB…but
became a dynamic secretary in the publishing and then
pharmaceutical industry!
You are married to a Brit, living in Belgium, mother of 3,
and totally dedicated to our Association. Can you enlighten
us on how you came to be in this country?
My father was transferred to Brussels and after 5 years he and
my mother moved on and my elder sister and I stayed here,
finding work and eventually...husbands. I used to work in the
same office as my husband’s sister and she invited me home
to meet her student brother. The rest is history! We have
three wonderful daughters and now three grandchildren. I
chose to be an “at home” mother as the kids got older which
was not easy in the beginning. Working is more…peaceful!
How did you get involved with our Association?
I have always loved working on the computer and after a
night school course, I did voluntary work. After several years
one of my quilting friends, Tove Thonar, asked me to help
out with the computer at the FdE office where she was
working as Secretary General. I joined the EFTA Group and
Gillie Hinds, President at that time, asked me to have a go at
the Newsletter as a cost reduction measure.
What else, except for your grandchildren, keep you
fascinated, busy and happy?
I have been quilting for over 25 years and many of those
friends are also now part of the EFTA Group! I mostly enjoy
reading but also walks, cinema, cooking and eating! I am into
“personal development” and it gets more and more
interesting over the years. Pilates and yoga keep me fit.
You have been working for 10 years on our Association’s
Newsletter and are constantly improving it for our
members. How much of your time is spent on this and how
could things be improved?
What are your major
frustrations when dealing with the Newsletter? How can
other members help? How supportive is your husband?
The Newsletter takes a good two weeks to put together. So
much depends on how prepared the Groups are in sending me
their information. Getting details right is time-consuming
and if these could all be determined before sending me the
announcements; it would be a huge help. Some Groups are
very uncertain and even conflicting within themselves and
that is unhelpful. It demands a great number of emails,
telephone calls and late night work-sessions. Not necessary!
If all members agreed to appoint one person to deal with the
Newsletter, it would make life easier. I am of course always
open to last minute changes. It is also useful to discuss how
much space Groups require before sending the copy to me.
My husband has been very patient for the past 10 years (could
not have done it without his support) but our daughter’s
illness made me reassess our priorities…
What does your Group do that is special for the Bazaar?
Our Group does handiwork such as knitting, sewing,
decorations, quilts and lots of other home-made handicrafts.
We also sell Icelandic sweaters, blankets, hats, etc., Swiss
chocolates and other goodies and Norwegian jams and
cheese. We are responsible for the Swiss Raclette restaurant
as well! It’s worth a try if you have never had one! (The wine
is good too!)
What advice could you give newly arrived
Danes/Brazilians/Brits to help them settle in to life in
Belgium?
I think learning the two languages of Belgium (maybe even
the third) would be the best recommendation so they can feel
more at home with the locals. Then it is important to find an
activity where you can meet your fellow countrymen or
international communities. Being isolated is not good. Our
Association Femmes d’Europe can be good if one gets
involved.
What are your favourite places in Brussels and outskirts?
I love the Metro! I don’t have to worry about parking and
one never has to wait very long. I take great pride in showing
our visitors the Grand Place and surrounding area. I mostly
love walking around where we live in the hilly Brabant
Wallon. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of
the country.
What are you going to do with all your spare time after you
hand over the reins of the Newsletter to your successor and
have given sufficient training?
Spare time? What is that? (laugh!) I intend to spend more
time with my family. Then I will see what bubbles up inside
me and I shall turn over a new leaf in my life!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful
ladies I have met and worked with during the past 10 years
within the Association. It has been an amazing experience!
Interview by Renate Smith
6
Association Femmes d’Europe a.i.s.b.l.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING  ASSEMBLEE GENERALE
RESERVEZ LA DATE
RESERVEZ LA DATE
RESERVEZ LA DATE
ASSEMBLEE GENERALE
VENDREDI 20 MARS 2015 à 14 h
Bâtiment Charlemagne – 170, rue de la Loi – 1040 Bruxelles
Très important
Suite aux mesures de sécurité renforcées dans les immeubles de la Commission européenne, nous vous prions de
vous inscrire, si vous voulez participer à l’Assemblée générale, en donnant à votre Chef de Groupe (ou au
secrétariat) les indications suivantes figurant sur votre carte d’identité :
- Votre NOM - Votre PRENOM - Votre DATE DE NAISSANCE - Votre NATIONALITE
- Le NUMÉRO de votre carte d’identité - La DATE DE VALIDITÉ de votre carte d’identité
Exemple : MERVEILLE / Alice / 01/01/1968 / Belge / 0000000 / 21/07/2020
SAVE THE DATE
SAVE THE DATE
SAVE THE DATE
SAVE THE DATE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
FRIDAY 20 MARCH 2015 at 2 pm
Bâtiment Charlemagne – 170, rue de la Loi – 1040 Bruxelles
Very important
Due to reinforced security measures at the European Commission, you are kindly requested to register if you wish
to attend the AGM and give to your Group Leader - or to the Secrétariat - the following details mentioned on your
ID card:
- Your FAMILY NAME - your FIRST NAME - Your DATE OF BIRTH - Your NATIONALITY
- Your ID NUMBER - Your ID EXPIRY DATE
Example: MERVEILLE / Alice / 01.01.1968 / Belgian / 0000000 / 21/07/2020
 DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH 2015 NEWSLETTER - 12th February 2015 
 DATE LIMITE POUR LE BULLETIN DE MARS 2015 - le 12 février 2015
www.assocfemmesdeurope.eu - 02/2015
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ASSEMBLEE GENERALE ● CANDIDATES  ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Elections du 20 mars 2015
BERNADETTE ULENS
Candidate au poste de Présidente de l’Association
Bernadette est de nationalité belge. Elle est membre de notre association depuis 2005.
Elle est aujourd’hui l’une des trois responsables du Groupe Multinational après avoir
été chef de Groupe durant plusieurs années. Elle fait également partie de l’équipe
Projets.
Après des études de Relations Internationales à Louvain et Bologne, Bernadette se
lance dans une carrière bancaire. A Bruxelles d’abord, puis à Amsterdam où elle
rencontre son mari, Gérard de Wit. Peu après, elle réalise un vieux rêve : voir le
monde et ‘vivre’ différentes cultures en travaillant. En 1985, elle devient la première
femme expatriée de la banque française Indosuez, qui lui confie divers postes de
management en Asie et en Afrique : Colombo, Nairobi, Bangkok (où naît sa fille
Fleur) et enfin une responsabilité régionale à Singapour. Elle revient à Bruxelles avec
sa famille en 2003. Elle aime la musique, la peinture, les langues et les livres et suit
toujours des cours de chant et de portrait. Sa plus grande performance sportive : les
20kms de Bruxelles en 2004…
Ces dernières années, ce sont de plus en plus les Femmes d’Europe et l’action qu’elles mènent pour aider les plus
défavorisés qui sont au centre de ses activités. C’est ce qui lui a donné l’envie de continuer à mettre toute son
énergie au développement de notre Association.
Si elle est élue, elle privilégiera les précieux contacts d’amitié et de solidarité entre les membres des différents
Groupes. Avec l’équipe du Bureau exécutif, elle s’efforcera d’accompagner et de guider l’Association dans
l’évolution que requiert notre époque et qui sera garante de sa continuité.
GHISLAINE TROUBETZKOY
Candidate au poste de Vice-présidente Manifestations
Membre de l’Association Femmes d’Europe depuis 2010 et co-responsable du
Groupe Belge depuis 2011.
De formation classique, quadrilingue, basée à Bruxelles, elle « sévit » comme
responsable Communication (public relations, sponsoring, events) dans plusieurs
groupes internationaux et termine sa carrière comme Directrice chez BELGACOMPROXIMUS où elle lance notamment ‘le Petit coup de Pouce’, Fondation aidant les
plus défavorisés de Belgique.
En 2003, elle épouse Michel de nationalité franco-canadienne. Elle crée sa société
de consultance en communication en 2005, mais ressent de plus en plus le besoin
« d’être utile » et de partager son expérience dans l’événementiel pour une bonne
cause. Elle explore plusieurs œuvres et tombe finalement sous le charme de
l’Association Femmes d’Europe et de sa diversité.
Passionnée d’équitation et du monde animal en général, elle participe régulièrement à des concours de dressage
en Belgique et en France.
Après mûre réflexion et beaucoup d’encouragements, elle se présente et espère avoir l’occasion de mettre en
pratique ses devises préférées : « ce qui mérite d’être fait, mérite d’être bien fait » et « qui n’avance pas, recule ».
En parfaite synergie avec le Bureau exécutif, elle aura à cœur de guider, soutenir et accompagner tous les Groupes
dans l’organisation de leurs manifestations essentielles à la bonne santé de l’Association Femmes d’Europe.
8
Association Femmes d’Europe a.i.s.b.l.
ASSEMBLEE GENERALE ● CANDIDATES  ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Les membres présentés ci-dessous renouvellent leur candidature :
Bernadette Grünhage
renouvelle sa candidature
pour le poste de
Trésorière
Renate Smith
Lilian Damstén
renouvelle sa candidature
pour le poste de
Vice-présidente
Presse & Communication
renouvelle sa candidature
pour le poste de
Vice-trésorière
ADVERTISEMENT  PUBLICITE
Tapis d’Orient
- à Bruxelles depuis 1982 –
Importateur direct pour les particuliers
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Prix de gros aux particuliers
Service, qualité, prix très compétitifs
Service de lavage et réparation
Echanges de vos tapis anciens
Contact : 7j/7 de 9h à 21h
Tel. 02 414 77 78
GSM 0495 99 64 28
Rue du Moniteur 22 – 1000 Bruxelles
Email : info@oldorientexim.be
www.assocfemmesdeurope.org - 02/2015
Visitez: www.oldorientexim.be/tapis
9
COMING SOON • BIENTOT
Le Groupe Italien de l'Association Femmes d'Europe a.i.s.b.l.
a le plaisir de vous inviter à la pièce de théâtre présentée par l'Istituto Italiano di Cultura et
la compagnie théâtrale "Le Teste Matte"
les 27 et 28 février 2015 à 20 heures et le 1er mars 2015 à 16 heures
« JOYEUSES PÂQUES »
de Jean POIRET
Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Bruxelles
Rue de Livourne, 38 - 1050 Bruxelles
Prix d'entrée : adultes 14€; enfant 8€
au profit des projets d'aide humanitaire de notre Association
La pièce sera jouée en langue italienne
Boissons, sandwiches et gâteaux disponibles à l'entracte
JOYEUSES PÂQUES
L'intrigue
Pendant le week-end de Pâques, Stefano, mari âgé de Sofia, a profité de l'absence de sa femme pour ramener la
belle et jeune Giulia. Mais une grève sauvage va saper ses projets lubriques: le vol de Sofia a été annulé et celleci revient à la maison de façon inattendue. Pris sur le fait, Stefano invente un mensonge, présente Giulia comme
sa fille d'un précédent mariage dont il n’avait jamais parlé et met en mouvement un engrenage de situations
improbables hilarantes et délicieuses, des enchevêtrements inextricables. Le dialogue et l'humour irrésistible et
savoureux font que « Joyeuses Pâques », dans sa version originale, est considérée comme une comédie et un
classique culte incontournable du théâtre de boulevard français dans lequel vous entrez avec une grande
légèreté : une comédie dans sa forme la plus pure.…
La version italienne
A partir de la version italienne, le groupe « Le Teste Matte » a découvert que l’humour français ajoute une touche
ironique et drôle au « provincialisme Italien ».
L'auteur
Jean Poiret, né à Paris en 1926 et mort à Suresnes en 1992, a été acteur, réalisateur, auteur et scénariste français.
Complice de Michel Serrault, avec qui il interprétera « La Cage aux Folles » (Il Vizietto) et « Le Canard à l'Orange »,
c’est une mine inestimable pour le théâtre de boulevard français contemporain.
Renseignements et réservations:
Paola Micocci
Gabriella Fratoni
 02 771 14 39 (le matin)
 02 646 85 72 (l'après-midi)
ppmicocci@gmail.com
agfratoni@gmail.com
Prière d'effectuer votre payement, après réservation par téléphone ou email, au numéro de compte de
l'Association : IBAN: BE 47 3100 7081 9180 BIC : BBRUBEBB, avec la mention « Théâtre italien Joyeuses
Pâques », votre Groupe et votre nom tels qu'indiqués sur l'annuaire.
10
Association Femmes d’Europe a.i.s.b.l.
COMING SOON  BIENTOT
Soirée de prestige
SPECTACLE EQUESTRE et DINER aux CHANDELLES
le vendredi 13 mars à 19h30 précises
« La Chevalerie »,
Avenue Brassine, 38 à Rhode St Genèse
Au sortir de l’hiver, le Groupe Belge vous propose de venir découvrir le plus beau club hippique de Belgique et d’y admirer un
spectacle équestre élégant et féérique… Vous vous remettrez de l’émotion procurée par la « plus noble conquête de l’Homme »
lors d’un dîner aux chandelles «bercée» par la musique des Cosaques de Kouban.
Tenue de soirée : smoking, robe de cocktail ! (black tie)
Prix p.p. : 95 € boissons incluses
Parking aisé – manège couvert – tables de 10 personnes dans les Salons
Renseignements
Ghislaine Troubetzkoy
Gay Charles
mighi@skynet.be
gay.charles@titsnest.be
Paiement au compte de l’Association IBAN BE 47 3100 7081 9180 – BIC BBRUBEBB avec la mention « soirée prestige »,
le nombre de places, votre nom tel que repris dans l’Annuaire, votre Groupe et no. de téléphone.
The German, Austrian, Polish and Portuguese Groups of the
Association Femmes d’Europe a.i.s.b.l. warmly invite you to their traditional
Easter Bazaar
(in aid of their humanitarian projects)
March 26, 2015
from 11 am to 4 pm
TÜSİAD EU - Brussels Representative Office
Av. des Gaulois, 13 - 1040 Bruxelles
(Metro : Mérode, Parking Museé du Cinquantenaire)
Friendly and multicultural atmosphere assured, seasonal decoration, Easter eggs,
gifts, wine and pastries, savoury and sweet, to enjoy on the spot or to take home.
Information:
Inge Torchiani
Edith Coelho
Maggie Lukomska
www.assocfemmesdeurope.eu - 02/2015
dia.torchiani@skynet.be
edithcoelho@hotmail.de
lukomska.malgorzata@gmail.com
11
ADVERTISEMENTS  PUBLICITE
- à Bruxelles depuis 1982 Nous vous garantissons la santé de vos Tapis, Kilims, Tapisseries, Aubusson !
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Nettoyage et réparation artisanale avec des produits naturels
Service, qualité de travail, prix hors concurrence en Belgique
Achat ou échange de vos anciens tapis
10% de remise pour les membres de l’Association Femmes d’Europe aisbl
Devis et livraison à domicile gratuite
Contactez :  02 414 77 78 ou 0495 99 64 28
7j/7 de 9h à 21h
Email : info@oldorientexim.be
Visitez www.oldorientexim.be/tapis
Adresse : rue du Moniteur, 22 – 1000 Bruxelles
- à Bruxelles depuis 1982 –
Caviar – Champagne –Truffes - Œufs de Saumon sauvage
Jus de truffe noire français 100% pur, Safran 1er choix
Pour vos fêtes et vos cadeaux d’affaires
Le goût et la qualité étonneront vos invités !
Contact : 7 jours /7 de 9h à 21h
 02 414.77.78 - GSM 0495.99.64.28
Livraison gratuite partout en Belgique
Rue de l’Enseignement 86 – 1000 Bruxelles
Visitez: www.oldorientexim.be/caviar
12
Association Femmes d’Europe a.i.s.b.l.
BIENTOT  COMING SOON
The Multinational Group of the Association Femmes d’Europe aisbl
invites you to an exceptional
Beethoven Gala
on
Wednesday 1st April 2015 at 7:30 pm
St Jean Berchmans Church, Boulevard Saint Michel, 24 - 1040 Brussels
We are pleased to present the young violinist Esther Yoo, 4th Prize winner of the latest Queen Elisabeth
Competition, and the ‘Nuove Musiche’ orchestra conducted by Eric Lederhandler, in the following Beethoven
programme:
 Violin Concerto
 Symphony nr 4 in b flat major
The concert will be followed by a reception.
Entrance Fee: € 50
Tenue de ville
Info and reservations: Bernadette Ulens
b.ulens@skynet.be
Please make your payment, after confirming your reservation, to the Association’s account IBAN: BE 47 3100 7081 9180 BIC: BBRUBEBB, mentioning “Beethoven Gala”, your Group and name as mentioned in the Directory.
Charity Irish Bridge Tournament and Lunch
In aid of projects funded by Association Femmes d’Europe aisbl
On Thursday 23 April 2015
at St Anthony’s Parish Centre,
Av. des Anciens Combattants, 23-25 - 1950 Kraainem (ample parking).
Registration and welcome coffee from 9.15 am. Play begins at 10.00 am sharp.
A delicious lunch and prize-giving will follow play.
Cost: €35 per person. Payment by 16 April at the latest, mentioning your and your partner’s names and “Irish Bridge”, to the
Association’s account number: 310-0708191-80 (see below for IBAN and BIC codes).
Information:
Maeve Doran Schiratti
Maura Allan Carroll
Receipt of payment guarantees participation.
maeve.doran@skynet.be
maura.carroll@brutele.be
 0474 516 702
 0477 285 762
Registration by email or by using the form below

Registration Form
Bulletin d’inscription
To send to/ A envoyer à : Ms Schiratti, Av. Slegers, 73/3, 1200 Bruxelles –latest by / au plus tard le 13/04/2015
M/Mme…………………………………………………………………………………….…… Tel ……………………………………...........................…… and / et
M/Mme…………………………………………………………………………………....…… Tel ………………………………………...........................…
will participate in the bridge tournament / participeront au tournoi de bridge du 23 avril 2015 and have paid €35 per person / et
ont payé 35€ par personne à / to the Association Femmes d’Europe aisbl: account number / numéro de compte:
IBAN: BE 47 3100 7081 9180 - BIC: BBRUBEBB.
13
ECHOS DU CONSEIL • COUNCIL NEWS
Council News
17 December 2014
Our President, Marie Anne Dage, welcomed everybody.
The agenda was accepted as were the minutes of the
November Council meeting, with some small
amendments. Mirna Mingasson agreed to take the minutes
of this meeting.
1. Projects
The final Versichel legacy funded project was approved
for an amount of €3,218 to pay for the renovation of an
education centre for young people in Colombia. This is
the second phase of the work; we funded the first phase for
€6,000 in 2014.
An overview film about the Versichel projects since the
Femmes d’Europe received the legacy will be shown at the
Projects Presentation Ceremony on 30 January 2015 in the
Berlaymont. A leaflet about the Versichel funded projects
is also in preparation. It will subtly remind people that we
accept all gifts, donations and legacies.
Rapid Aid Projects
Greece: €1.482 to provide sheets and quilts for four
crèches.
Roumania: €1.500 to buy two desk-top computers and
one lap-top for a convalescence and rehabilitation centre
for young handicapped adults, to facilitate their contact
with the outside world.
Belgium: €1,650 to renovate the washing-up area of the
Nativitas social restaurant.
Belgium: €1,630 to buy materials used in developing
theatre workshops. This project was approved with two
abstentions.
Kenya: €2,285 to set up a staff room for the teachers of a
primary school.
Serbia: €550 for five extra bicycles for children’s home
(second part of a RA project in May 2014).
Christmas gifts 2014: The members of the Administrative
Council of Femmes d’Europe were happy to be in a
position to approve 9 projects, each of which received
€750 this Christmas.
-Belgium: a cooking table for the ‘Poverello’ restaurant.
-Dublin, Ireland: our gift was used to buy bed-linen,
shoes and clothes for the homeless.
-London, England: toiletries and clothes for the
homeless.
-Portugal: Christmas meals for the poor.
-Belgium: ‘Petites Sœurs des pauvres’ (Little Sisters of
the Poor), to buy shoes for the homeless.
-Berlin, Germany: to buy medicines for the homeless.
-Madrid, Spain: Christmas dinner for the homeless.
-Greece: Food distributed to families with serious
financial problems.
-Brussels, Belgium: Missionaries of Charity: 3 end-ofyear meals for 130 people without means. (This
association accepts food-donations at Av. du Roi, 69.)
Vote on the PED projects 2nd semester (developing
counries): 39 votes in favour, 6 no votes or abstentions.
Result: all 7 projects were approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report
Bernadette Grünhage mentioned that the Bazaar receipts
were still coming in. She asked that Groups send in any
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remaining invoices for goods acquired for the Bazaar
directly to her as soon as possible. She remarked that it
was more effective and efficient for the stands and for the
treasury to collect cash just twice on the Saturday. The
Italian Gala raised approximately €50,000 for our projects.
This is an excellent result.
3. Executive Board
On 20th March 2015 at the Annual General Meeting
(AGM) there will be an election for the posts of President
and Vice-President Events. The mandates of the VicePresident Press & Communications, Treasurer and ViceTreasurer are also due for renewal.
4. Communication and informatics:
-The 12 January deadline for the February edition of the
Newsletter is considered to be rather short after the
holidays.
-We are still looking for an editor and an assistant editor
for the Newsletter. We would like to set up a team to assist
the new editors. Please make your interest in being
involved known to Marian D. Conneely, the Secretary
General.
- The Membership team also needs a new member. Please
let us know if you have a few hours a week to help.
5. Christmas Bazaar 29 November 2014
Marie-Anne Dage warmly thanked all members of the
Groups for their wonderful work to make the Bazaar such
a resounding success. The atmosphere was excellent the
whole day long. The financial results look like they will be
even higher than last year.
6.
-
7.
Past events which were a great success:
On 5th December the Italian Gala at the Monnaie was
superb. Marie-Anne Dage congratulated the Italian
Group which surmounted many organisational
problems to bring us this remarkable event. In return
Anna Mugnaini thanked everybody who helped with
the Gala particularly Marie-Anne Dage herself and
the Gala-ticketing-team of Maeve Doran, Brigitte
Gast and Angela Carisi.
21 November the Luxembourg concert (LULU).
23 November Women’s race in Uccle.
Future Events: Much is planned for spring. See the
Newsletter for details.
8. Secretariat General:
The vote on the PED (pays en development) was: 39 votes
in favour, 6 no votes or abstentions. The projects were
approved.
The President’s letter wishing all our members a Happy
Christmas and New Year was sent out and included a
reminder that the Membership fees for 2015 are now due
before end January 2015. The new fee voted at the 2014
AGM in March is €50. (Marie-Anne Dage’s letter also
informed recently recruited new members –fees paid after
November 2014- that they are in order for 2015.)
Association Femmes d’Europe a.i.s.b.l.
NOUVELLES INTERNES  INSIDE NEWS
2014 BAZAAR TOMBOLA AND STALL SPONSORS / SPONSORS DES STANDS ET DE LA TOMBOLA
Please note that our Association wishes to clarify the lists of sponsors published in the January 2015 issue of
the Newsletter as, unfortunately, there were some errors and/or omissions.
Dutch Group
Tombola
Hotel Brussels Airport (Van der Valk hotels)
NBTC, Brussels (Nederlands Bureau voor Toerisme en Congressen)
Restaurant ‘La Maison du Cygne’, Brussels
Unilever, Rotterdam
Stall
Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery, The Hague
Mr. W. Heemskerk, Woudenberg, The Netherlands (flower bulbs)
Uniekaas Nederland BV, Mr. J. W. Rote, Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands (cheese)
Greek Group
Tombola
A Discovering Network
We once again warmly thank our generous sponsors.
BOOKS  DONATIONS  LIVRES
We are happy to accept your donations of good
quality used books for a next book sale. You can
bring them to the Femmes d’Europe office at
Beaulieu on the 6th or 20th March between 10.15 am
and 11.30 am. If you have a large quantity then
please contact: jill.hawkes@gmail.com and we can
plan the delivery or possibly organise a collection.
Nous serions heureuses de recevoir vos dons de
livres en bon état pour une prochaine vente. Vous
pouvez les déposer les 6 ou 20 mars au bureau de
Femmes d’Europe entre 10h15 et 11h au Beaulieu.
Si vous avez de grandes quantités, veuillez
contacter : jill.hawkes@gmail.com pour organiser
une éventuelle collecte.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
Approved at the Administrative Council meeting of 17th December 2014
Belgium
Greece
Italy
Luxemburg
Multinational
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Elaine Pirard
Theodosia Antoniadou, Tatiana Kokkori Kominos
Anna Fusella
Charlotte Berens (de Vrees), Inessa Wendland (LULU)
Marie-Anne Malien, Isabelle-Laure de Crayencour
Doesjka Van Balkom
Fiona Williams
THE NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Friday 13 February
Friday 8 May
Friday 27 March
Friday 12 June
The meetings are held at 10 am
www.assocfemmesdeurope.eu - 02/2015
15
NOUVELLES INTERNES  INSIDE NEWS
IN MEMORIAM
Toutes nos sincères condoléances à Christiane Cousin, membre du Groupe Belge,
à l’occasion du décès de son époux, Monsieur Michel Cousin.
C’est avec grand tristesse que nous annonçons le décès de Sonja Corwin, membre du Groupe Multinational.
Toutes nos sincères condoléances à sa famille.
VINTAGE SALE/CATWALK
In the autumn of 2015 the Multinational Group will once again put on a Vintage Sale/Catwalk.
Could you all please start searching again in your wardrobes for those wonderful items you wish to
discard and let us have them? More details in the March Newsletter but keep looking!!
NEWSLETTER ASSISTANTS
We are looking for more assistants to help out with the Newsletter. If you are computer-literate or
enjoy doing layouts or interacting with other members, please contact:
newsletter@assocfemmesdeurope.org.
PUBLICITE  ADVERTISEMENT
« … Fin février, quatre jeunes étudiants européens rejoindront le désert du Maroc et se rendront de
village en village pour apporter du matériel didactique, des livres scolaires et dictionnaires, aux
ECOLES des ENFANTS du DESERT. . . »
pour les encourager et soutenir ce projet,
please join us at the
enjoyable tapas evening
simply delightful... great flavours ... and drinks
Mercredi 11 February 2015, from 18.00 to 20.00
250 avenue Parmentier – 1150 Woluwe Saint Pierre
for further information on the project, please contact the “Association Les 4Lephants”:
Les4lephants@gmail.com ou aline.verhaegen@gmail.com
16
Association Femmes d’Europe a.i.s.b.l.